Health Care Assistant (HCA) | Certificate
Certificate
In Winter 2021 we offer the theory portion of this program via Distributed Learning where we use various tools that may include email, web-conferencing platforms, online videos, social media, textbooks, print modules, local contexts and experiential tasks. Learn more about Distributed Learning at CMTN. Lab and clinical courses will require in-person attendance and are currently scheduled as follows: HCAS 107 Lab June 03-June 18, HCAS 109 Clinical June 21-July 23, HCAS 108 & HCAS 110 Juy 26- Aug 21st. Please indicate on your application which location (Terrace or Kimitat) you will be attending for the Lab and clinical portions.
Train to become a front line care provider and valuable member of a health care team.
The Health Care Assistant program provides opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide professional care to the elderly and those facing other health or illness challenges. This 29 week, full-time program combines theory, lab study and practice experience.
Health Care Assistants receive direction and supervision from other health professionals such as Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses. Student practice experiences are an integral part of the program. Clinical practice experiences occur outside of the college setting. While the majority of practice placements are in centres close to CMTN campus communities, it may be necessary to utilize agencies in other Northwest communities. Students must arrange their own transportation to and from practice experience sites and assume related costs. Students may be required to work a variety of shifts (e.g. four-, six-, eight- and/or 12-hour shifts, including days, evenings, nights, and weekends.)
Successful graduates will earn a HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE and are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.
Dual credit opportunity
The HCA program is eligible for dual credit, which is an opportunity for high school students to start college programs while still in high school. Students receive credit toward their high school diploma, while also earning post-secondary credits. Dual credit students are also supported by their home school district, which pays the program tuition for the student.
Each school district has a different application process for dual credit. High school students and parents are strongly encouraged to talk to a career counselor at their school district to find out details about the dual credit program and specific application requirements.
Apply to CMTN
Visit Apply to CMTN for an Admissions Checklist and to apply online.
Our Educational Advisors are here to help if you have any questions or need guidance along the way.
Dates and locations
Intake | Location |
---|---|
February 2021 | Terrace - Blended Delivery |
The program begins in Winter each year and will start on the same day as School District 82's winter term.
The program is offered at other campuses subject to public demand and sponsor funding. Contact an Educational Advisor for more information on intake dates and locations.
Faculty
Faculty Member | Campus Location |
---|---|
Lauren Fraychineaud, Regional Program Coordinator | Terrace |
Melodie Julseth, Lab Assistant | Terrace |
Fay Armstrong, Instructor | Terrace |
Vasiliki Douglas, Instructor | Terrace |
Debbie Sullivan, Instructor | Terrace |
Callan Williamson, Instructor | Terrace |
Laurie Kallio, Contract Coordinator | Smithers |
Patty Lou Bryant, Instructor | Smithers |
PROGRAM RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
Students must complete a minimum of 50% of the program hours at Coast Mountain College.
The Health Care Assistant program requires students to achieve 70% (B-) or higher in every theory course and CR (credit) grade in HCAS 107 and practical experience courses to continue in the program and receive their credential.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
HCAS 101 | Health Care Assistant: Introduction to Practice | 1 |
HCAS 102 | Health: Lifestyles and Choices | 1 |
HCAS 103 | Human Relations: Interpersonal Communica Communications | 1.5 |
HCAS 104 | Health & Healing: Concepts for Practice | 2.5 |
HCAS 105 | Healing 1: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Common Health Challenges | 4 |
HCAS 106 | Healing 2: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Cognitive Or Mental Challenges | 2 |
HCAS 107 | Healing 3: Personal Care & Assistance | 4 |
HCAS 108 | Practical Experience in Home Support And/Or Assisted Living | 2 |
HCAS 109 | Practice Experience in Multi-Level And/Or Complex Care 1 | 6 |
HCAS 110 | Transition Practice Experience | 2 |
Total Credits | 26 |
Students interested in applying should read the Health Care Assistant Program Student Handbook [PDF]
In Winter 2021 we offer the theory portion of this program via Distributed Learning where we use various tools that may include email, web-conferencing platforms, online videos, social media, textbooks, print modules, local contexts and experiential tasks. Learn more about Distributed Learning at CMTN. Lab and clinical courses will require in person attendance and are currently scheduled as follows: HCAS 107 Lab June 03-June 18, HCAS 109 Clinical June 21-July 23, HCAS 108 & HCAS 110 Juy 26- Aug 21st. Please indicate on your application which location (Terrace or Kimitat) you will be attending for the Lab and clinical portions.
Prior to applying, please review the Health Care Assistant Program Expectations [PDF].
Important documents
- English Competency Self-Declaration Form
- Ministry of Public Safety Consent for a CRC
- Information for Immunization
- HCAS Northern Health Immunization Form
Admission requirements
Students are accepted into the program once all Step 1 documentation has been received, on a first come –first serve basis and will be invited to register. Prior to the first day of classes, students are expected to submit all Step 2 documents. Step 2 documentation is required for practice education experiences; students who fail to submit any Step 2 documentation will be prohibited from attending practice education experiences.
Step 1: Required for admission and registration
- Grade 12 graduation, or 19 years of age or older, or dual credit student
- A complete English Competency Self-Declaration Form [PDF]. Applicants with less than seven years of education in an English-speaking environment and/or less than four consecutive years of education in an English-speaking environment at the secondary or post-secondary level will require one of the following standardized English language proficiency tests as set by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry:
For English as a first language speakers:
- English Studies 11 or
- Accuplacer Grade 11 level cut score: Reading 236, Writing 234, Writeplacer 4 within the last 2 years.
- College courses determined to be equivalent to completion of Grade 11 English (or higher) by post-secondary institutions. A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
- Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT): Reading Comprehension 35/50 Spelling 23/32
- Language Placement Index (LPI): The three individual scores (Sentence Structure, English Usage, and Reading Comprehension) must total a minimum of 20, out of a maximum possible score of 40. Essay level of 4, with a minimum essay score of 24/40
For English as a second language speakers:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Test must be within the last two years, IBT only—overall score of 76 with no score lower than 20 in speaking and listening and no score lower than 18 in Reading and Writing.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic: test must be within the last two years: overall score of 6 with a minimum of 6 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.5 in Reading and Writing.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT): test must be within the last six months: Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6. Note: A CLB Report Card from a LINC Program may also be accepted.
- “Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): General CELPIP 7 or better in Speaking and Listening and CELPIP 6 in Reading and Writing.”
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): overall score of 60, with no section less than 50. Scores valid for one year.
Step 2: Required for practice education experiences. Students who fail to submit any Step 2 documentation will be prohibited from attending practice education experiences.
- FOODSAFE: All students must present evidence of current FOODSAFE level 1 prior to entering classes. Please refer to Health Care registry Website for the acceptable courses.
- CPR Level C: Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of CPR level C no more than 12 months before admission.
- First Aid: Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of one of the following First Aid courses no more than 12 months before admission:
- Standard First-Aid
- Emergency First Aid – Community Care
- Emergency First Aid for Industry
- WorkSafe BC OFA Level 1
- Criminal Record Check: check (including advanced vulnerable populations) under the Criminal Records Review Act and the Ministry of Justice process for educational institutions. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Please note: Any changes to your criminal record status or events occurring that will impact your criminal record must be reported in writing to the program Dean. Some events may impact your ability to attend clinical or practicum settings. The implications of failing to report changes, as a student, can result in program failure.
- Proof of Current Immunizations / Vaccinations/TB skin test:
Immunizations as outlined in the Practice Education Guidelines and recommended by the BC Centre for Disease Control (2009): diphtheria and tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), varicella and influenza. Negative TB skin test or chest x-ray. (http://www.hspcanada.net/docs/PEG/1_3_Immunization.pdf)
*Students who do not meet the immunization requirements may be prohibited from attending practice education experiences.
Fees | Domestic | International |
---|---|---|
Full Time: | 29 Weeks | 29 Weeks |
Tuition: | $1,986.50 | $9,148.34 |
Student Union Fees:1 | $83.84 | $83.84 |
Mandatory Fees: | $615.09 | $661.45 |
Health Insurance: | N/A | $292.89 |
Total Tuition: | $2,685.43 | $10,186.52 |
Additional Costs: | ||
Books:2 |
$450.00 | $450.00 |
Supplies/Clothing:2 |
$300.00 | $300.00 |
Fieldwork/Practicum:3 |
$200.00 | $200.00 |
Mandatory Certificates:4 |
$425.00 | $425.00 |
*Total Program Cost: | $4,060.43 | $11,561.52 |
1 | These fees are term based and may vary due to the length of the program. |
2 | Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on courses taken. |
3 | Costs will vary depending on the location of practicum. Students are responsible for any required accommodations, food, or other travel expenses. |
4 | Please review admission requirements for mandatory certificates. These certificates are required before participating in a clinical setting. Fees are approximate and may vary. |
Fees are effective as of August 1, 2020 for the 2020/21 academic year.
Career opportunities
Graduates are qualified to work as frontline care providers in a variety of settings including:
- Client's home
- Adult day care
- Assisted living
- Complex care facilities
Learners should be aware that some employers require Grade 12 or equivalent for hire. Dual Credit students are not eligible to work in the Community setting until they reach 19 years of age.
The CMTN Access to Practical Nursing program creates laddering opportunities to a Practical Nursing Diploma.